Bill Protecting 53,000 of the Jefferson National Forest
goes to President for Signature

The Virginia Ridge and Valley Act, a wilderness
and national scenic area bill that protects 53,000 acres of
southwestern Virginias most unique wild places, passed the
US House of Representatives on Wednesday.

Virginia Forest Watch was one of several conservation groups
taking a leading role in shepherding the bill through Congress.

The bill establishes six new wilderness areas, a wilderness study
area, and two new scenic areas, and will expand six existing
wilderness areas in the Jefferson National Forest.

The Virginia Ridge and Valley Act has broad bi-partisan support
including a majority of the Virginia congressional delegation,
current and past governors of Virginia, Virginia Tourism
Corporation, local businesses, faith groups, Garden Club of
Virginia, and International Mountain Bicycling Association.